May 12, 2008
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Government's Proper Role
What is the proper role of government? is the question this week at Socrates_Cafe.
We hold these truths to be self-evident: That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that when any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute a new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them will seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.
Few nations have such a clear and concise statement of the purpose and role of government as exists in the American Declaration of Independence. For over 230 years we have tried to live up to Jefferson's ideals and have so far succeeded pretty well. Jefferson himself believed that government should be limited. He had great faith in the abilities of the common people to rule themselves and was suspicious of attempts to organize a strong central government, but even he, when he assumed the presidency, had to change his mind.
During its entire history as a nation, the United States has struggled with the notion of "more vs less" government.
What do you see as the minimum amount of government necessary to achieve those ideal goals set forth in the Declaration of Independence?
Comments (2)
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If the role of government is to promote life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, does government not have the duty to provide citizens with the best health care the government can provide?
Most modern nations answer this question with the affirmative and make what efforts they can to provide the best health care they can to all their citizens. The United States is the notable exception. Somehow we have decided that economic benefits to the medical and pharmaceutical businesses outweigh the government's responsibility in this area. This has resulted in a three-tier system with poorly served patients, frustrated providers, and very wealthy insurance companies. The U.S. has made some efforts to provide government supervised single-payer medical and drug benefits available to at least one large group (the aged) with very positive results, but for some reason (probably due to political lobbying) has refused to extend the benefits. There is also a limited attempt to provide the very poor with benefits (Medicaid) but this is an unpopular program and is always among the first whose budget is cut.
The present system means that citizens and taxpayers spend at least twice as much on medical care as the next most expensive cost in any other country.
Why does the U.S. not provide its all citizens with proper medical care?